Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Itoya: Japan's Oldest Stationery Store



Ginza Itoya was founded in 1904 and has since held the tradition of offering quality, innovative, and unique office and school supplies available in the market. With its re-opening back in 2015 after a major renovation, this massive shop now introduces new features and interactive fun activities that will surely make your visit worthwhile. High-class Itoya stationery is also being enjoyed worldwide to as far as the United States and Canada.


Itoya is a well-curated shop with each of its 12 floors opening up to a stylish and highly-organized offerings. Trust me when I tell you that time stops here and you'll feel like being happily lost in stationery paradise the minute you step foot in the building. In fact, I barely even remember to take photos anymore as we were so engrossed with all the unique and cool finds here.




One of my fondest memories of visiting Itoya was finding the craft space intended for visitors who wish to try making paper flowers (materials are complimentary) which, for a non artsy-craftsy person like myself, was a delightful and fulfilling experience!




Up in the 12th floor is Cafe Stylo where you can try the fluffiest Japanese pancakes you can find and other Western-inspired dishes to satisfy your hunger after hours spent going through racks and aisles of wrapping papers, all occasion cards, functional travel items, postcards, various types of papers for crafting, fancy pens and pencils, and so many cool souvenirs.





A floor down below Cafe Stylo is a green farm where they plant and produce their own vegetables used for the salads and other dishes offered at the cafe. How cool is that, right?


Sunday, March 22, 2020

Sunday Treats No. 65

Ichiran 5 - JPY1,490 (Php710.00)

~o~o~o~

Ichiran
3-34-11 Shinjuku
Peace Bldg. B1F, Shinjuku 3 Chome
Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
Tel.: (813) 3225-5518

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Hotel Review: Makati Diamond Residences

For the past several years, my family have been celebrating birthdays and other important occasions out of town or if time is limited, via staycations. One of the hotels that we've been frequenting is Makati Diamond Residences by San Miguel Properties, Inc. which is located just across Greenbelt Malls in Makati City, an unbeatable location indeed.


Rooms are HUGE and equipped with everything you may need to guarantee a perfect stay such as a fully equipped kitchenette with convection stoves, refrigerator with complimentary drink and snacks, washer and dryer, a 55" LED television, and high speed complimentary internet. Even the lowest room category are so spacious and can comfortably accommodate 2 adults and 2 kids.







Aside from the complimentary bottled water, the hotel also provides potable drinking water through double filtration process to encourage guests to reduce the use of single use plastics.







The 25-meter lap indoor pool is located on the 4F and is open from 07:00AM to 09:00PM daily.


Unlike most conventional hotels, registered guests are given dining cards as complimentary breakfast privilege which can be used at Alfred, Baked, or other partner restaurants in the Greenbelt area at any time of the day for as long as you're billeted at the hotel.




Pros: Commendable customer service, spacious and well-appointed rooms, practical breakfast option thru dining cards, convenient location, reasonable rates, and complimentary parking.

Cons: Nothing! We keep coming back to this hotel and it never fails to amaze us everytime.


~o~o~o~

Makati Diamond Residences
118 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village
Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (632) 8878-9699
Website: www.makatidiamond.com

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Reminiscing Good Times at Sushi Ninja

Now that I am temporarily banned from eating raw fish due to medical reasons, I can't help but look back at one of the memorable meals we had at Sushi Ninja. It was just a random day looking at bathroom fixtures in Wilcon when we chanced upon this place because if its a Japanese restaurant, there's no way we are ignoring the prospect of yet another great take on our favorite cuisine.

What we ordered

Mixed Poke - Php395.00

Poke is a native Hawaiian dish of diced raw fish mixed with sesame oil and seeds, usually served as an appetizer or main course. What I liked about Sushi Ninja's version is how light the dressing is, making the umami flavor less overwhelming. Better served with rice for a full meal.

Spicy Tuna Salad - Php360.00

Though Sheraton Manila Bay's (formerly Pan Pacific Hotel) Asunaro Express still tops my list, this one's not to miss either. Generous servings of tuna chunks tossed in spicy mayo dressing and crunchy tempura flakes - its my favorite appetizer in any Japanese restaurant!

Harajuku Maki - Php580.00

These two were highly recommended by the staff so instead of figuring out which one to get, we just ordered both! Sakura maki was heaven in every bite with ample servings of unagi, tamago, kani and topped with sliced salmon and tuna. On one hand is one of Chef Tanjuakio's unique and delicious creation - Odakyu Toshi, which was basically a marriage of salmon and uni.

Odakyu Toshi - Php455.00

It would take a few more months before I am finally allowed to eat raw fish so please indulge me (for now) as I share more of my previous Japanese food adventures in the coming days and salivate as I go through photos of my delicious finds. Arigatou gozaimasu!

~o~o~o

Sushi Ninja
Westgate Center, The Serenity Place
Filinvest Avenue, Alabang
Muntinlupa, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel.: (63917) 837-8744

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

The Year to Beat

Before the year/decade officially ends, let me greet everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year! Two thousand nineteen led a series of exciting and life-changing events, and we can't wait what this new year will bring us. All I can say is.. BRING IT ON!

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